The Future of SMACNA Southern California

Photo above: Mark Terzigni

2023 brings important changes at SMACNA Southern California, in particular, a new executive director and a new president, both of whom will take the association confidently into a new and bright future.

After two years of strategic planning, numerous strategy sessions, candidate reviews, and interview sessions, the SMACNA Southern California executive committe and board of directors have selected Mark Terzigni as the new executive director to guide the future operation of SMACNA SoCal.

Terzigni is a talented, experienced association executive who will bring those skills to enhancing the value of membership and the well-being of members’ companies. “My family and I are looking forward to becoming part of your sheet metal family,” he says. “This position will allow me to use my years of industry experience and network of contractors, vendors, designers, and code officials to work with our labor partners to promote and elevate our industry.”

Acknowledging the association’s well-respected standing— developed by past and current staff, including outgoing executive director Kevin O’Dorisio, office manager Kim Williams, and administrative assistant Rubi Diaz—Terzigni looks forward to building on that great foundation.

He started his career by earning a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering before getting his first job in sheet metal at McGill Airflow. Fifteen years ago, he took a position at SMACNA National as a project manager in the technical resources department, and later became the director of engineering. Eventually, he beceame the executive director of market sectors and construction technology.

“My family consists of my wife, Allison, who has extensive experience in construction and is a PE in civil engineering, and our two sons, Dominic (6) and Santino (4), who can be quite a handful and always light up the room,” Terzigni says. “As I transition into the role, I will make the rounds to meet each of you, so I may learn how best the chapter can meet your needs and to share the resources already available to you. Thank you again for the opportunity and the warm welcome.”

O’Dorisio, who has served the chapter for 43 years, has every confidence in SMACNA SoCal’s future and Terzigni’s role.

“Seeing the chapter grow and evolve with new and talented leadership only adds to my pride and appreciation for the chapter,” he says. “I will be serving as a mentor and advisor to Mark over the next 14 months as he assumes his role beginning in February.”

SMACNA SoCal’s new president, Pete Fortin of ACCO Engineering, has 45 years invested in the sheet metal and airconditioning industry. He entered the apprenticeship program in 1976 and worked for a small firm for seven years before he began working for ACCO in 1984. Over the years, he advanced in the company and now serves as a senior vice-president of labor relations.

Fortin and his wife, Bonnie, were high school sweethearts. They have two girls, Jennifer and Lynn, and three grandchildren with another on the way.

“Pete is a fine man who is committed to leaving his industry better than he found it,” O’Dorisio says. “He asks for members’ support of the board of directors as it continues to grow, adjust, and initiate change while addressing the industry’s challenges.”

Fortin follows Hector Vargas, who served as president for two terms. During his presidency, he helped the association navigate two collective bargaining agreements, a pandemic, and several large projects—endeavors he credits successful thanks to the support of the SMACNA SoCal board, including Fortin as vice president.

Be sure to give Terzigni and Fortin a warm welcome as they help SMACNA SoCal into what promises to be a hopeful year for the sheet metal industry. ▪